Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Roasting Pumpkins in March

As part of putting into practice some of the measures that President Trump has asked Americans to practice during these interesting times in which we live, I am doing my part today by staying home, going through the house to see what's on hand, and making a list of what we need should we happen to find it next time we're out...which may not be for awhile. 

I know I need to focus on fresh foods first, so that's what I'm starting with. I just happened to have two small pumpkins left over from last October. 




One is orange; the other is white. Both have been sitting on a shelf in the kitchen all winter long and both are still good. I decided to do something with them first.


I had never seen the inside of a white pumpkin before. The 
flesh is beautiful and looks similar to fresh coconut. 



I decided to roast the pumpkins, so they are in the oven now. When they are done, and after they have cooled, I will puree the flesh and freeze it to be used at a later date in muffins, breads, etc.

I also had a 3-pound bag of organic sweet potatoes that I had picked up last time we were out. I decided to throw them in the oven and roast them with the pumpkins. I will use them throughout the week as side dishes (baked or mashed), or I may turn them into a sweet potato pie. Either way, they will not go to waste.

Organic Sweet Potatoes, 3 lb Bag

I know it's a little odd and definitely out of season, but, if I still have pumpkins sitting around from last fall, some of you might, too, and you might be looking for a way to use them up, just like I am. 

Here are the instructions on how to roast and puree a pumpkin:

After cutting the pumpkin in half and removing the seeds, place on a large baking pan (skin side up; cut side down). Roast in a 375-degree oven for about an hour and fifteen minutes or until fork tender throughout. Scoop out the flesh from the skin and place in a food processor to puree. Once pureed, use fresh or allow to cool before placing in freezer bags.



What measures are you and your family taking during these difficult times? What do you have in your house? And how are you using it?

Until next time...
~Rebecca

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Happy St. Patrick's Day!



6 comments:

  1. We dug out our back stock of dried beans and I am currently making chicken also but the beans should last is for several meals and I also made some French bread. Yay for preparedness!

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    1. Amen, Nicole! Being prepared for emergencies and having a reasonable stock of food and household staples is always a good idea! This situation has shown us just how quickly things can change. I've got several pounds of dried beans in the freezer and plan to start incorporating them into my menus on a weekly basis. I need to make French bread, too. With just Daddy and I now I take one recipe and divide it making it into three small loaves and freeze. That way we've always got good, homemade bread that takes minimal ingredients on-hand all the time to go with pasta or soup. I consider it a staple. LOL! Blessings, Dear DIL! <3

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  2. Well, we learned a hard lesson a long time ago...when we lived in Alabama we survived Hurricane Katerina and an EF tornado that wiped us out. So, now we live here (western NY), we still remain vigilant about keeping the pantry, deep freezer and the fridge full. From dry items like beans and makings to make soup and baking stuff to the full freezers, we make due with w hat we have. My husband is a former Marine, so he is a big "prepper". We all are ok...no sickness and I hope it stays that way. Keeping all in prayer during this difficult times.

    P.S. I love your new look here, smiles

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    1. Thank you, Linda! I'm glad you like it! Sounds like your family has been through a lot, but hard lessons learned are not easily forgotten. I'm glad to know that you keep your pantry, deep freeze, and fridge full. In times like this it pays to be well stocked...not only for ourselves, but to help others should the need arise. Like you...if I have dry beans to make soup with and the stuff on hand to make bread...we're good! Glad you all are well. Am lifting you and yours before the Lord in prayer even as I type this. Blessings! <3

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  3. Since we are a farm family we have a lot of food in the freezer and I have picked up a few things while at the store getting meds, but overall I think we are good. I will need to get bread at some point and milk. I can make bread though.

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    1. Glad to know that you have plenty of food on hand, Carol, and am glad to know that you have been able to pick up a few things here and there as you need them. I will need to get milk, too, at some point. I looked for powdered, but they were out last time. I can make powdered milk stretch a long way when I have to. Praying over you and yours. Blessings! <3

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